Oxford UniversityMathematical Institute

Full Project Details

Crown House Technologies (CHt) was fully responsible for the complete building services delivery programme on this project, incorporating all piped services, rainwater and foul drainage, ventilation and air conditioning, thermal insulation, sprinkler protection, smoke control, car park ventilation, natural ventilation, fire alarm, access control and security, BMS, voice and data, HV and LV distribution, small power, and general lighting.

The challenge

To maximise our Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA) implementation, to accomplish the reduced M & E programme period, and to use innovative ‘Spelsberg’ cast in conduits with the Explore Industrial Park to deliver seamless exposed electrical services installation. Our key achievement was in achieving a BREEAM excellent rating, via a CFD simulated naturally ventilated scheme, in addition to daylight sensing, rainwater harvesting, PIR/solenoid operated water supplies, motorised solar shading and a large ground source bore field requiring only boilers to top up a cooling priority building.

Our approach

CHt was a key member of the team from the outset, providing advice on pre fabrication techniques, detailed modelling information and setting out of all final fix items to a stringent architectural ideology. We were a trusted advisor to the end user to ensure the building delivered a MEP solution which exceeded the original employers requirements. A close working relationship with all departments of the University ensured the building was completed and delivered with few operational issues.

The engineering behind our delivery

From simplistic ‘skinny’ racks beneath raised access floors to fully assembled plant skids allowing the extensive use of our DfMA capability. A restricted underground car park with primary service routes running throughout could only be successfully delivered using in house Digital Engineering (DE) capabilities and the head height restrictions were never compromised and clashes avoided.

Facts

Seasonal commissioning is being carried out and the first seasonal result session is organised for February 2014 with a further three quarterly sessions to keep to our commitment of total customer focus and satisfaction.

The occupiers of the building are delighted with the new facilities and conditions provided and CHt have been approached to carry out numerous items of post contract work based on the teams good relationship with the University and end users (of which there are many).

This project won a considerate contractor national site award for best project team.